Anthony D’Amato
New York City-based songwriter Anthony D'Amato has been on a streak in the past seven years and released three full-length records and two ep's. And now also two sessions for The Influences. The first one was filmed in a dark week in American history, early in 2017. The second at TakeRoot festival 2018. Some videos have been public for a while, but with the two new videos, it's high time for a proper release. Watch him play Paul Simon and Tom Petty covers, plus three originals.
The Low Anthem
The Low Anthem recorded two songs from 'The Salt Doll Went To Measure The Depth Of The Sea' for The Influences. Singer Ben Miller talks about their history. 'I didn’t know if I was going to write anything anymore. It got to the point where just the process of writing songs felt so foreign to me. “Maybe I don’t do that anymore.” It was scary.’
Close Talker
Sometimes there's little time between getting to know a band and filming a session. It only ever happens though if I immediately like the music a lot. The Canadian band Close Talker have just released their new LP How Do We Stay Here and are heading out on a Canada and USA tour today, after just finishing their European run. On that run, we filmed this session where they covered Radiohead's All I Need.
American Aquarium
It was Anthony D'Amato who introduced me to American Aquarium. The singer from New York - who's releasing a new EP soon - said I had to check them out and so I did. It took a couple of listens for me to get dragged into their songs, but once it happened, there was no return. So I was obviously happy when AA's singer BJ Barham joined me at TakeRoot 2018 to record 'When We Were Younger Men' and Bruce Springsteen's 'Highway Patrolman'.
A New International
Musicians often ask me who they should listen to when we finish filming a session. Almost a hundred percent of the time I recommend the Scottish band A New International to them. Because they're simply brilliant. And lead singer Biff Smith is one of the most remarkable songwriters and performers I've ever witnessed. Sure, he's a very good friend, so I might be biased. But damn it, if he doesn't move you when he's on stage, you're officially dead inside.
Israel Nash
The times have been good for Israel Nash. He's focusing on the positive, rather than the negative. In this session he covered Neil Young and Radiohead. 'I’ve always known there would be something more, but I do think this is the chapter of finding out what that is. For now.’
